Have a cup (or two) of coffee. Caffeine in moderation can help boost your concentration and mental alertness. Feel free to go back for another round — coffee or green tea — in the early afternoon if you’re not overly sensitive to caffeine.

Leave work on time. This isn’t the day to put in overtime, if you can avoid it. You accomplished your most important tasks early and made it all the way through, so pat yourself on the back and call it a day. Go home and enjoy a relaxing evening and hopefully better sleep than the night before.

Of course it is never ideal to operate on little sleep, but the reality is that we all find ourselves in this situation from time to time. And fortunately there are some proven strategies to make the most of it.

Your day will certainly be more manageable by following this plan, whether you adhere to every step or just select a few of the items.

Perhaps it also jumped out at you that this routine could maximize your day even when you are well-rested.

Here’s to a great day (sleep or not)!

Andrew Merle writes about how simple it is to live well, including good habits for happiness, health, productivity, and success. Read more at andrewmerle.comand follow him on Twitter.